Everybody Else Is Doing It

I didn’t get an iPhone when it was first released. It was the year 2009 and I remember thinking to myself; why would I do something just because everybody else was doing it? My Samsung was perfectly fine and the stubborn part of me that didn’t want to conform thought that I was cool for not letting society dictate my choices. (As a side note – it IS cool to not let society dictate your life or phone choices. Ha!)

I don’t know what it was that tipped me over the edge to eventually buy one. Maybe it was the ability to take crystal clear pictures. A google maps function for my logistically challenged self, or maybe it was the slim, sleek design that won me over – either way, I caved and have never looked back since.

I realise that deciding to buy an iPhone is the ultimate first world problem, but what I’m really curious about is the thought process that we go through when making the little and big decisions in life. Whether it’s choosing a phone, pursuing a particular career path or something even more meaningful, the idea that ‘everybody else is doing it’ can sometimes hold us millennials back.

I’ve used the excuse that ‘everybody else is doing it’ so many times throughout the past 5 years. And it’s nearly held me back from going after some pretty spectacular experiences and dreams.

Maybe you’ve secretly wanted to start a blog, but it feel’s like everybody else is doing it? Who would read yours with thousands of others out there. (Yep, I can put my hand up for that one).

Perhaps you’ve longed to try a new fitness class, or start a course but someone you know is already doing that, so you couldn’t possibly do the same or similar thing?

No matter whether it’s the place you call home, the choice to start your own business or the possibility of giving Tinder a go; why do we stop ourselves from going ahead with genuine desires as soon as we feel that somebody (or everybody) is doing that ‘thing’ too?

From personal experience, I know the many different scenarios that have prevented me from going after what I truly, truly want because of this excuse. Allow me to flesh out some common speed bumps and reasons why you should still go for it – no matter whether “everybody is doing it”, or not.

“I want to be unique and pave my own way”

The idea of being unique and doing things ‘my way’ instead of following the crowd is incredibly important to me, and don’t get me wrong – this kind of thinking should absolutely be celebrated! I want to remind you though that even if you do head down a similar path to someone else, simply by being you – that already makes your path unique.

I’ll use pizza as an example. Lots of people like pizza, but no two pizza’s are ever the same. Just like Mum’s sandwiches are so much different to my sandwiches (Mum’s always taste better) and yet they have the same ingredients. Do you catch my drift? No matter what you decide to do, you will bring your own unique flavour to it – no matter what IT is.

“I don’t want to look like a copy cat”

Ah this thought has crossed my mind before. I would never want to look like a copy cat, nor have I consciously tried to be like somebody else, or live someone else’s life.

If you happen to tread a similar path to someone else – whether that be career wise or even a similar hair style, I can guarantee that the decision you make is purely based on the fact that (deep down), it’s what YOU really want. That’s not copying someone else – that just means your tastes/styles/preferences/desires are in sync. It’s not something to shy away from, it means that you have something in common. Awesome!

“They’ve already had success…Why bother?!”

The thought that someone else has experienced the success that you crave, doesn’t mean that it cancels out your ability to experience that too. You can 100% have that too (there’s plenty to go around lady!).

Imagine if Beyonce thought to herself; “Whitney will always be the greatest. Why bother?!” Hell no! When she first started out, I’m sure the greats that paved the way before her only inspired her to keep going. She knew that success was possible and available to her too, and that is absolutely the case for you. Finding love, living abroad, making money from your creative pursuits – it’s your’s for the taking if you want it.

So lovely one, if there’s been something that you’ve been wanting to do/start/try but have felt held back by the thought that ‘everybody else is doing it’ please know that there’s plenty of good stuff to go around, whilst still staying true to your unique and individual self. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who is doing what – as long as you can stand proud behind your choices and it makes YOU feel good – that’s all that really matters.

Can you relate to having this thought or experiencing this before? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Big love,

Tash x

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